Jeugdkoor ÜkuHele, Belgium © Jonas Persson

Going North for the European Choir Games & Grand Prix of Nations

Norrköping (Sweden) and Aarhus (Denmark) will welcome choirs from around the world

European Choir Games 2025

Two years, two hosts: INTERKULTUR announces the new hosting cities for the European Choir Games & Grand Prix of Nations in 2023 and 2025. Norrköping in Sweden and Aarhus in Denmark will host the next editions of the event, which is the continental European version of the World Choir Games, also known as the Olympic Games of choral music.

After former editions in Austria, Germany, Latvia and Sweden, also the next two European Choir Games will remain in Northern Europe, a region of many top-class, award-winning choirs and with a rich music tradition. Choirs of all levels and genres from all over Europe are invited to join the European Choir Games, while the Grand Prix of Nations is open to top-level choirs from all over the world.

Günter Titsch, President of INTERKULTUR, World Choir Games and World Choir Council is more than happy about this new perspective for choirs in Europe and beyond: “I’m sure that the announcement of the two next host cities of the European Choir Games & Grand Prix of Nations will give a great and much needed boost to the European and international choral scene. New motivation, new goals and a real planning security are important aspects that many choirs need at the moment, and that’s exactly what the European Choir Games 2023 and 2025 will offer them. I cordially thank our partners in Norrköping and Aarhus for these opportunities and I’m already looking forward to a great cooperation and unforgettable choral events in 2023 and 2025.”

5th European Choir Games & Grand Prix of Nations 2023
in Norrköping, Sweden from October 28 to November 5, 2023

The city of Norrköping, located 160 km south of Sweden’s capital city Stockholm, is an old industrial city that has turned to culture and knowledge innovation. The decision of hosting the European Choir Games & Grand Prix of Nations Norrköping 2023 was well-received by the partners on site:

"After the pandemic, it is very gratifying to be able to welcome The European Choir Games &Grand prix of nations. This means a lot to Norrköping, both as a restart for large events and as a music city. Norrköping is a city that is used to handling large events and I am convinced that those who visit us in connection with this event will have a wonderful experience with many great memories," says Municipal Director, Anna Thörn.

"I feel very pleased that Norrköping will be the host for this big event. It means a lot to local businesses that our city hosts big events like this. I look forward to more people experiencing our wonderful city. I hope visitors will explore everything fantastic Norrköping has to offer in addition to the competitions," says the Chairman of the municipal board, Olle Vikmång.

“We are looking forward to host the European Choir Games & Grand Prix of Nations. Norrköping will be the perfect place for our visitors to restart after the pandemic-with our unique venues, restaurants and exciting experiences like the Visualization Center within walking distance,” says the Director of Trade and Industry, Norrköpings municipality, Joakim Ljungqvist.

The home of the Norrköping Symphony Orchestra, the Congress- and Concert Hall Louis De Geer with several venues in the old industrial landscape of Norrköping will be the center of the European Choir Games 2023. The cultural block Hallarna and other meeting points will be open for workshops and international encounters in Friendship Concerts, among others. All within walking distance and close to nature, entertainment parks and high-quality restaurants.

Norrköping has been a UNESCO City of Music since 2017 and is a city that makes culture and especially music an instrument of urban development.

More information about the 5th European Choir Games & Grand Prix of Nations Norrköping 2023 is available already at ecg2023.eu.

6th European Choir Games & Grand Prix of Nations 2025
in Aarhus, Denmark from June 28 to July 06, 2025 

Aarhus, located 190 km west of Denmark’s capital city Copenhagen, is the second largest city in Denmark. Through its urban strategy focusing on accessibility and sustainability, Aarhus was named the third most sustainable city in the world. The European Choir Games & Grand Prix of Nations Aarhus 2025 perfectly fit into the city’s calendar of cultural events. 

Jacob Bundsgaard, Mayor of Aarhus says: “In Aarhus, we’re proud of our international reputation as a great venue for major cultural events – so we’re delighted to be able to welcome choral singers from all over the world. Music has a special magic: it brings us together and creates communities across cultures and across national borders. And we’re already looking forward to enjoying the magic music brings to our own community right here in Aarhus.” 

”European Choir Games along with the Concert Hall of Aarhus are going to create a unique union. Aarhus is a music city and this year it has the official title ‘Music City Aarhus 2022’. I would like to reinforce the music, since it is part of the city’s DNA. Besides, we know singing together is good for physical as well as mental wellbeing and the festival will unite Aarhus in singing. Therefore, I am looking very much forward to European Choir Games in 2025,” adds the Cultural Mayor of Aarhus Rabih Azad-Ahmad. 

The Musikhuset, with its attached conservatory, will be the core of the event with many concerts, competitions, workshops and opportunities to meet and exchange with other choirs from around the world. It’s an optimal venue in many respects with several stages, modern equipment and located right in the middle of the city.

Robert Datnow, Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Sports Consultancy commented: “I am delighted that The Sports Consultancy’s sophisticated, multi-disciplinary team of tourism, economic, media and societal impact data specialists, senior commercial negotiators and legal experts were able to reach into our networks we have built over the past 20 years, to articulate the range of long-term legacy benefits and secure these two iconic homes, on optimal terms, to re-vitalise this pinnacle choral event in the coming years. We wish everyone involved, every success”.

Further information about the 6th European Choir Games & Grand Prix of Nations Aarhus 2025 is following soon, please check www.interkultur.com/events for any updates.

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